We know that fresh air is good for our toddlers (and us!) and playing outdoors helps with sensory and social development, fine motor skills and self-regulation. But it can sometimes take a superhuman effort just to get your stubborn tot ready to go outside, and once you?re there, you?re at a loss for what to do. We spoke to registered early childhood educator Suzanne Feltoe for her tips on how to keep your toddler engaged outdoors.
1. Make a mural

Tape an old bedsheet, sheets of paper, or a paper compost bag to the ground, a wall or a fence, and tape together two or three crayons or washable markers of different colours to make them easier to handle and create interesting patterns?then let her have at it, colouring to her heart?s content. If you?ve got a big cardboard box hanging around, let her decorate that and then use it to play peekaboo or make a house out of it for some outdoor pretend play. 2. Paint the town

Fill up a bucket of water and hand your toddler some mini paint rollers, brushes or spray bottles to ?paint? on concrete, a fence or a tree. ?Toddlers can experience cause and effect this way?how something can go from wet to dry,? says Feltoe. The cleanup is minimal, and afterwards she can help you ?feed? the plants with the extra water.

3. Get your groove on

Bring a blanket out with you and spread it out with some homemade instruments on top, like pasta inside an empty water bottle to shake, or metal bowls or tins with wooden spoon...